Disexcommunicate

/ˌdɪsɛkskəˈmjuːnɪkeɪt/ verb

Definition

To reverse or revoke an excommunication; to restore someone to membership or standing in a religious community after they had been excommunicated.

Etymology

From dis- (meaning to reverse or undo) combined with excommunicate (to expel from a church or religious community). This is a back-formation creating an antonym for excommunicate.

Kelly Says

Disexcommunication is the Vatican's 'undo' button—when the Church realizes it made a mistake or circumstances change, they can formally restore someone's standing. Pope John Paul II disexcommunicated several groups and individuals during his papacy as part of reconciliation efforts.

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